History

The Pastorate of Dr. Kenneth A. Corr
1995-2007

Dr. Kenneth A. Corr became the church's 24th pastor in February 1995 and immediately set about trying to rebuild the membership and spirit of the beleaguered church. His pastorate has been marked by a reintroduction and embrace of the church liturgy, long ago discarded by the Baptist faithful, and he and minister of music Rev. Ray Hatton have composed much of the worship material the church has utilized. He has also been instrumental in expanding the church's long-observed mission of ecumenism by partnering the church with religious and social organizations and shared ministry to the city of Memphis. He led in the church's latest construction project with the construction of the Welcome Center and new Choir Suite, and the renovation and enlargement of the North Educational Building and Office Suites in 1998 so the church would be better positioned to welcome new families and members with modern state-of-the-art facilities with aesthetic and functional appeal to all ages. His influence is widely recognized through the church's continuing broadcast ministries and his leadership in the Christian church community, which led First Baptist to embrace women in ministry and to partner with Friends for Life in the city's annual commemoration of children, women and men who have died with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Corr has also led church members in missions projects locally with the construction of houses under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity, and internationally with church construction in Rumania and Newfoundland. He celebrated his 10th Anniversary as pastor in February 2005 and continues to lead the First Baptist Church of Memphis in its mission to reach those for Christ around the world and across the street, and fulfill the Great Commission.


           'Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war,
         She waits the consummation of peace forevermore;
       Till with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blest,
     And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.
                        (Samuel J. Stone, 1839-1900)

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First Baptist's History
1839-1897
1898-1930
1931-1943
1944-1975
1976-1994
1995-Present
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